The U.S. government has introduced a new wave of maritime tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting vessels linked to China and other foreign-built vehicle carriers.
Effective from 14 October 2025, these measures follow a detailed investigation by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) into China’s shipbuilding and logistics practices. The aim is to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding, reduce dependence on foreign-built vessels, and respond to what the USTR considers unfair state-backed competition.
Although designed to affect U.S.-linked operations, the changes are expected to influence global shipping patterns and freight costs, creating knock-on effects for forwarders and importers worldwide.
What is Section 301?
Section 301 authorises the U.S. to take trade action when a foreign country’s policies are deemed “unreasonable” or harmful to U.S. commerce.
After a year-long investigation launched in 2024, the USTR concluded that China’s shipbuilding and maritime subsidies had created unfair advantages and market distortions. As a result, the U.S. announced new port fees and tariffs on certain vessels and cargo-handling equipment.
This marks a significant expansion of Section 301 enforcement, moving beyond manufactured goods to include the vessels, carriers and infrastructure that underpin global logistics.
Fee Structure Summary (Effective 14 October 2025)
The new maritime tariff system introduces fees assessed per U.S. voyage (not per port call) and capped at five voyages per vessel per year. A 180-day transition period applies before full enforcement.
Vessel Type / Classification: Chinese-owned or operated vessels.
Fee Applied: $50 per Net Ton (NT)
Notes: Applies to ownership or operational control links to China.
Vessel Type / Classification: Chinese-built vessels (non-Chinese owned)
Fee Applied: $18 per NT or $120 per container
Notes: Based on vessel build origin.
Vessel Type / Classification: Foreign-built vehicle carriers.
Fee Applied: $150 per Car Equivalent Unit (CEU)
Notes: Covers foreign-built Ro-Ro and car carriers.
Vessel Type / Classification: LNG tankers (vessel type 132)
Fee Applied: Except.
Notes: Excluded from current Section 301 measures.
Who is affected?
The tariffs directly target vessels either built in or operated by Chinese entities, as well as foreign-built car carriers serving U.S. routes.
Indirectly, the new fee structure may affect:
- Global shipping lines that operate mixed fleets, including Chinese-built vessels.
- Freight forwarders booking space on affected carriers.
- Importers and exporters whose routes transit U.S. ports or connect with U.S. feeder services.
Even if your business does not trade directly with the United States, these tariffs could influence freight costs, vessel availability, and routing patterns across international networks.
What this means for UK forwarders and Beckchoice customers
For our customers and partners, these changes could influence how cargo moves across global trade lanes in the months ahead. Whether you’re importing into the UK, arranging haulage, or coordinating shipments with overseas agents, the Section 301 maritime tariffs may indirectly affect costs, vessel schedules and service reliability.
Because many major carriers operate shared vessel pools between Asia, Europe and trans-Pacific routes, changes in one market often create ripple effects elsewhere. A tariff applied to a U.S.-bound vessel can still affect rate levels and capacity on routes serving the UK.
What Beckchoice customers should keep in mind:
- Shipments from Asia may see adjusted schedules or pricing. If vessels on your routes are Chinese-built or linked to U.S. transhipment, carriers could apply additional surcharges or reroute services.
- Lead times may vary. Carriers rebalancing their fleets or avoiding higher-fee ports might lengthen transit times on certain corridors.
- Communication is key. Our overseas partners are providing regular updates so we can keep customers informed of any operational changes that might impact shipments into the UK.
- Customs and documentation support. Our import and customs teams can advise on the potential impact of these changes on your cargo movements, helping ensure compliance and continuity of service.
Beckchoice is actively monitoring carrier notices and government guidance as the new fee structure takes effect. If you’re unsure how these measures could affect your shipments or rates, our team is on hand to review your routing and provide tailored advice.
Looking ahead
The extension of Section 301 into the maritime sector highlights a major shift in global trade strategy. Tariffs are now being used not only to protect domestic manufacturing but also to influence how goods are transported.
As the measures come into force, we expect to see adjustments in vessel deployment, service offerings, and freight rate structures well into 2026. Our team will continue tracking official U.S. government announcements and carrier advisories to keep customers informed of any changes.
Please note: This blog reflects information available as of 24 October 2025 based on official U.S. government releases and credible trade sources. Details of Section 301 maritime tariffs and related measures may change as new guidance, exemptions or amendments are published.
References
- Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) – Section 301 Investigation into China’s Shipbuilding, Maritime and Logistics Sectors
https://ustr.gov/trade-topics/enforcement/section-301-investigations/section-301-chinas-targeting-maritime-logistics-and-shipbuilding-sectors-dominance - Federal Register – Notice of Proposed Modification of Action in Section 301 Investigation of China’s Targeting of Maritime, Logistics and Shipbuilding Sectors (June 2025)
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/12/2025-10660/notice-of-proposed-modification-of-action-in-section-301-investigation-of-chinas-targeting-the - Reuters – USTR Proposes Charging Chinese Ships up to $1.5 Million to Enter U.S. Ports (February 2025)
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/ustr-proposes-charging-chinese-ships-up-15-million-enter-us-ports-2025-02-24 - Wiley Law – USTR Announces Final Action in Section 301 Investigation into China’s Shipbuilding and Logistics Practices (April 2025)
https://www.wiley.law/alert-USTR-Announces-Final-Action-in-Section-301-Investigation-into-Chinas-Shipbuilding-Logistics-Practices - Mayer Brown – Trump Administration Takes Two Section 301-Related Actions in June and August 2025
https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2025/09/trump-administration-takes-two-section-301-related-actions-in-june-and-august